In 1979, he was with the Dunedin Blue Jays and struggled, only batting .197/~.246/.248 in 106 games. His fielding pecentage improved to .928. It was particularly disappointing on a team that hit .258, best in the Florida State League that year.

He spent 1980 and 1981 with the Kinston Eagles. The first year, he hit .275/~.325/.346 with 74 runs. He fielded just .763 at third base (13 games, 9 errors) but did much better at first base, leading the Carolina League with a .993 fielding percentage. In his second season as the Kinston 1B, he produced at a .261/~.310/.346 clip in 103 contests.